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The impact of technology on our health is We, as humans, are always on the search for ‘great’,
profound and multifaceted, offering both to improve, to beat our expectations. One such
considerable benefits and presenting significant thing, born from our need to be better, is
challenges. On the positive side, technological technology. We have heard countless tales about
innovation in healthcare sector have dramatically inventions, such as the making of the first phone or
transformed how we prevent, diagnose and treat the first computer. All of which often leave us
diseases. The advent of telemedicine ,for example awestruck at our own I intelligence. But have we
,has improved access to healthcare services, ever stopped to recognise the downside of these
particularly in remote areas. Advanced diagnostic revolutionary inventions?
tools such as AI-driven imaging and robotic Many consider 21st century to be the peak of
surgeries enhance the precision and efficiency of humanity, with extraordinary gadgets in the
medical treatment. However, the extensive use of making and many already in use, but the cost of
technology also brings unintended consequences these inventions lies heavy on us. We face a
to our health. A growing reliance on screens multitude of challenges, the most prevalent one
whether through phones, television or computers being the physical and mental health crisis that is
has been linked to variety of health issues. For plaguing many.
instance, prolonged screen time can lead to eye Due to the invention of online alternatives to
strains, headache and disrupted sleep patterns activities such as shopping, banking etc, many do
especially due to the blue light emitted by the not leave the house, then again, why would you?
device. Technology offers us everything; information,
Mental health is also a concern as social media use entertainment, and even serves as a work place for
has been associated with higher level of anxiety, many. This has led to increased obesity rates,
depression and stress. The pressure to maintain which in turn cause many related problems such as
an idealized online persona and the fear of heart problems, organ failure etc.
missing out (FOMO) can exacerbate feelings of Not only that, many youngsters are turning to
loneliness and isolation. Furthermore, technology dopamine-
encourages sedentary behaviours, as many people Inducing sources (video games, social media etc).
spend long hours sitting engaged with digital This “overdosing” on dopamine has grave effects
devices which leads to obesity, cardiovascular on teenagers and adults. It can pave way for metal
disease and musculoskeletal issues. As the famous illnesses like depression, anxiety and social anxiety.
American author Alan Kay once said, ”the best Such mental illnesses can lead to physical problems
way to predict the future is to invent it”. This as well, since mental issues and physical issues are
quote highlights the dual-edged nature of so deeply intertwined and affect each other
technological progress. While it offers remarkable directly.
potential to improve health outcomes, we must In my opinion, there was no need for technology at
also navigate its challenges carefully. The key is in all, we were able to survive without it,and still can
finding a balance-embracing technological survive without it. I am of the belief that technology
advancement while also taking proactive steps to will eventually ruin our health, minds and worlds
mitigate their potential risks. beyond the point of return. But the complete
In conclusion, technology has indeniably brought erasure of technology is highly unlikely and highly
about significant improvement in healthcare and unrealistic, so, we must learn to cope, thrive and
lifestyle, but it is important for individuals and remain sane.
society to be aware of its overuse or misuse. By We must remember that in the pursuit of “great”,
using technology wisely and maintaining a we mustn't let go of our “good”, mustn't let healthy
balanced lifestyle, we can harness its benefits habits die out in the name of “technology” and
while protecting our physical and mental well “revolution”.
being.
K.MELISSA
9B
JOANNA ELIZABETH TITY
9A

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